Update to this story: In July, Kimberly Soenen wrote in an email that she had subsequently left Ampers. The organization declined comment, saying it does not comment on personnel matters.
Kimberly Soenen has joined the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations as its first chief operating officer.
AMPERS is the largest statewide association of community radio stations in the United States, with 17 member stations.
The announcement was made by CEO Joel Glaser, who said in the press release: “As commercial and non-commercial radio stations around the country continue to announce layoffs and cutbacks it’s incredibly exciting to share that we are expanding. We’re lucky to live in a state that recognizes the importance of community radio, local storytelling, as well as reaching and supporting underserved communities.”
AMPERS said Soenen will be second-in-command, managing its Programming and Business Departments as well as day-to-day operations.
“She will also be producing and overseeing several key news initiatives and in-depth hyperlocal reporting projects centered on Veterans, BIPOC cultures, Women-First stories, and tribal storytelling and education.”
She’s charged with expanding journalist training, broadening multiplatform distribution, increasing the number of publishing/broadcast partnerships with journalism partners and raising the profile of the programming of its 17 member stations.
Soenen is founder and former executive director of Some People. She has worked for Harper’s Magazine, National Public Radio and Kartemquin Films, and was director of global business development and special projects for VII Photo Agency/Foundation. From 1999 to 2024 she owned UNSPUN Consulting and Productions.
